Hi everyone
I feel that with the current state of the world, that more people are leaning towards becoming preppers and have questions. So I thought I would start a thread about what prepping is, who is generally a prepper and what you should really have.
Most people have seen doomsday preppers or similar and it's all a bit crazy with forts, bunkers etc
Thing is, that isn't all there is to prepping. Prepping can be as simple as having candles and torches for a power cut. Or it's having enough food, water and medication to last years. And so much in between
If you are interested in being a prepper ask yourself what you want to prep for. Reason being that, whilst there is a general list everyone should have, some are more specific. If you live in an area prone to flooding do you have a plan in place? Do you keep valuables upstairs, do you have insurance etc. If you lived next to a nuclear power plant do you have a plan in place OR do you know what the local authority will do if there is an accident?
First thing is would you be staying at home (bugging in) or would you be leaving for elsewhere (bugging out). In reality there are very few situations that bugging out would be the best option.
Food: most governments emergency plans recommend having 2 weeks of food in your house in case of emergency. There are many foods that are really prepper friendly and store for a long time. Make sure you rotate them with your normal food and keep an eye on dates.
Water: this is a fun one. If something happens like a longterm power cut or contamination of your water supply you won't last long unless you have water. And don't rely on local authorities or your local supermarket as everyone will have the same idea. Keep some bottled water and like food rotate.
Medications: I'm on daily medication. I try to have a months back up at all times. Keep painkillers, antiseptics etc as well. You don't need to go full surgical kit. Try and get a first aid course sorted as well.
Heating: we all saw it with texas. No power no heating. Winter is about to get cold. How will you keep warm?
Light: torches are great. Candles are great. Think safety, think lighting it, think batteries
Cooking: how will you cook?
Misc: daft things like a spare tin opener. I saw on twitter during the texas freeze a great thread about the person's brother. Who was a self proclaimed prepper. Had all these tins and guns and ammo... But couldn't open his tins because he didn't have a tin opener.
My advise to all? Always have a back up. Work at two weeks of everything. Only buy what you know you will use. Look for calories. The more calories for less food the better.
Hopefully this is helpful